Hanging a Door

Not necessarily a job for amateurs

Photo by Webb Chappell

Q:

How do I install an interior door in my house?

— Eric, Fremont, CA

A:

Tom Silva replies: Hanging a door can be tricky. You need to make sure it's plumb and level. Mark and mortise the jamb hinges — usually seven inches
from the top of the upper hinge to the top of the door and eleven from
the bottom of the lower hinge to the bottom of the door. Let the hinges
hang out slightly from the jamb so they won't pinch when opening and
closing. Shim the hinge side and secure it to the wall structure with
nails or screws. Then shim and nail the knob side, making sure the space between the jamb and door is the same from top to bottom.
If you're handy, you'll have no problem with this; if not, you might want to hang up your toolbelt and call your friendly neighborhood carpenter.